FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Q. I am planning to build or renovate space for my facility either indoors or outdoors. When should I consider retaining your firm?

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A. The earlier the better. The biggest, and often irreversible or fatal, mistakes are made the earliest in the development process. Critical success factors include site selection, layout of space, and realistic development budgets. Our extensive experience and knowledge can help you make the best decisions to assure you success.

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Q. What do your services cost?

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A. It depends on the scope of work to be performed. Our possible services include consultation, program design, forms, layout of space, architectural and landscape design services, construction coordination, selection of equipment, technical assistance and staff training. These services can apply to both indoor and outdoor spaces.

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Q. I am not sure how to proceed with my project or what I need. How can you help me?

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A. Most of our clients retain us for an initial one-day consultation/charrette to review and discuss their plans, inspect sites, discuss all aspects of development and the industry, and generally help them get focused on a plan of action. Based upon that trip, we can then give you a definitive proposal for any additional services you need.

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Q. I serve children of diverse ages. Do you have staff that understand the unique needs of children?

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A. Our Regional Lead Consultants, have extensive experience with all facilities licensed under Community Care Licensing and Regional Centers, and have worked with children ages infancy through high school. Some have taught college courses in child development, directed child development/Head Start centers, and supervised and trained teachers. They understand developmentally appropriate practice and practical design needs of staff, children, and parents.

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Q. Do you charge just to discuss my project over the phone?

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A. No. Call us. We trade on our integrity and reputation, not on trying to generate work for ourselves.

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Q. I received a Type A/B deficiency and need assistance with a Plan of Correction. Can you assist me with this?

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A. Absolutely. We encourage immediate correction.  We do not encourage paying exuberant amounts of money on items, repairs, renovations, staff, etc. as a result of a Type A/B mark.  Let us review your deficiency(s) and advise you on proper correspondence and correction(s).

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Q. Why is the design of indoor and outdoor environments important?

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A. Research has clearly shown that the physical environment can have a profound effect on client's, staff's, and parents' behaviors. We aren't interested in good environments for your clients. We advocate and create high quality, developmentally appropriate learning and leisure environments for adults, children,adolescents and their families.

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Q. Do you have experience with various cultures?

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A. We have extensive experience and background in cultural competency and have worked on projects throughout North America, Latin America, the Pacific, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Africa. Culture is the framework which bounds life practices. Family structures, child-rearing practices, attitudes, perceptions, language styles and design preferences vary from culture to culture. All of these issues must be considered in collecting information to create and design the  proper frameworks for your facility.